On Saturday we took a beautiful hike up the Ridgeline trail at South Mountain, right near MJ's house. One is supposed to rest the day before a 1/2 marathon.....but who can rest amidst beauty like this?
Mary Joe, one of my favorite people over the course of the past 13 years or so.....even though we are thousands of miles apart our friendship never changes.
Finally warming up ~ It was COLD out in AZ! I changed my clothes about 5 times a day, I could not get a handle on the weather. When we left the house at 5:30 am to drive to the start line, it was just 43 degrees! Ouch!
At the finish! PR for both MJ and Julie, and we had a great time sticking together and talking all the way. It was 70 and sunny and just perfect by 9 AM when we crossed the finish line. Running with 6000 other women to raise money for cancer research is very emotional ~ I got tears in my eyes about 5 times during the run. The kids, in particular, always get me. There is simply something so moving seeing little boys holding up signs like "MY MOM ROCKS!" as you run by! Kills me. One constant hope I have while I run is the notion that my kids will see that they can do anything that they put their mind to, and that they realize that they are stronger that they know.
I am hopelessly in love with Julia. I only wish we lived closer, as I know that this Jules and my Jules would be fast friends, just like their Mama's.
I was excited to leave. Not even slightly sad. I knew that the brood was in good hands, and I knew in every corner of my soul, that I was in desperate need of a break.
Nate's school is awesome. It has invigorated him mentally and career wise, and I am so incredibly proud of his dedication and hard work. That said, now that a little bit of the thrill of the novelty of it (aka, do you have to study tonight, dear? Do you want some hot tea?) has worn off I am seeing how it is really a little bit of a "suck the life out of you" schedule for both of us. It is good ~ would not change it for the world, especially as there is an end in sight (MAY 2013!!!)...but it just ain't easy, either.
I had a wonderful, restful time. I read two books, and spent time with one of my favorite people and her family, who I just love. I was reminded a bit about just what matters, and what does not. I came home relaxed and refreshed. I also came home to a nursing baby ~ and you know what, that is okay too. Jake will wean when he is ready. I'm rededicated to keeping my eyes on the prize ~ these people Nate and I are growing ~ and letting a few things fall aside a little. It can be easy to get caught up in some of the rampant materialism of our area, and this trip opened my eyes to little ways in which I was letting certain attitudes creep up on me ~ ones that I don't want to have. I also felt like I could run the 1/2 over again as I crossed the finish line. Personal goal for 2012? My first Marathon. Stay tuned. Need to snuggle my big kids to sleep now. Rested. Refreshed. Grateful.
